Negotiate your salary

Negotiating your salary is a two-way street.

When you are offered a job, it's important to come to a win-win solution since it can set the tone for your work life with the future employer. But wait until after you receive a job offer to start talking about salary. Everyone approaches the process differently. Use the tips below that you're most comfortable with.

Evaluate the offer wisely

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the job description. Note your reporting relationships, authority, and advancement potential.

Find out typical pay for the type of position. Unless you have an outstanding qualification that is unusual in your field, your expectation should match the typical pay for your level of experience in your location.

Remember that salary is only one part of job compensation. Often better benefits — like flexible schedules or excellent health insurance — make up for a lower salary.

Identify your own salary needs according to your household budget, so you know the salary you can afford to accept.

Consider the job offer in terms of your long-term career goals, the work environment, and the benefits. Talk it over with someone you respect. Make a list of the pros and cons of the job offer.

Communicate effectively

Begin the negotiation with reasonable requests. Be willing to accept compromises like receiving additional benefits in place of a higher salary. These could include tuition help, training, more vacation time, a flexible schedule, stock options, a company car, onsite daycare, parking privileges, etc.

Listen carefully. If the offer is less than you expected, let them know that. State you are still interested in the position if they want to reconsider their offer.

If you are uncertain if you want the job, state that you would like to discuss some items before you can accept the job. Suggest meeting again to talk about the offer.

Negotiations should never become emotional or hostile. Use your value, skills, experience, and education to negotiate. Do not use your need for the job to negotiate.

Understand the rules of the game

Don't assume the first offer is fixed. Even if the interviewer tells you it is, it rarely is.

If the same figure is offered a couple days later, it probably is the last offer. In that case, you can ask for a salary review in six months. Or you can turn the job down, asking that they keep you in mind for future openings paying more money. If you do this, remember to leave on good terms.

When you reach an agreement, request the agreement in writing. Review it carefully.

Even when saying "no," leave the door open to negotiation. However, do not use this as a trick to negotiate a higher wage. When you say "no," be ready to lose the job forever.